Printer Driver Variable Copy Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print mechanisms do not allow users to print different numbers of copies for different pages in a single print action, requiring multiple print commands and increasing time and resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and printer driver unit that enable users to input a string specifying pages and corresponding copy numbers, allowing for variable copies of different pages to be printed in a single action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing print mechanism applies the same number of copies to all selected pages, then the printing process is simple and fast, but it does not allow variable copies of different pages in a single print action, requiring multiple print commands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the copy count parameter by page, allowing different copy numbers to be assigned to different pages. The print UI is divided into page-specific sections where users can independently specify copy counts for each page or page range, transforming a single global parameter into multiple page-specific parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the print parameter space by introducing page-specific copy counts. Instead of a single-dimensional copy count applied uniformly to all pages, the system creates a two-dimensional parameter structure where copy counts vary along the page dimension, enabling variable copies without requiring multiple separate print actions.
2Loss of time
If multiple separate print commands are issued to achieve variable copies of different pages, then each print command remains simple, but the total printing time and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate print commands into a single consolidated print action. The system combines page selection and copy count specification for multiple pages into one unified print dialog, allowing users to define variable copies for different pages and execute all prints in a single command rather than issuing multiple separate commands sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal print mechanism that handles both uniform and variable copy scenarios within a single interface. The print dialog is designed to accommodate either a single copy count for all pages or different copy counts for different pages, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate print actions for different copy requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the print UI provides only a single copy count field, then the interface remains simple, but it cannot accommodate different copy numbers for different pages
Solution Approach 1:
The print UI is segmented into page-specific control sections, where each page or page range has its own copy count input field. This segmentation allows users to specify different copy numbers for different pages while maintaining a consistent and familiar interface pattern for each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The print UI is designed to be dynamic, automatically adjusting its structure based on user needs. The interface can switch between a simplified single-copy-count mode for uniform printing and an expanded page-specific mode for variable copying, allowing the complexity of the UI to adapt to the complexity of the printing task.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method and a printer driver unit for printing variable copies of a plurality of pages in a document. In an embodiment, a user input comprising a number of copies of the plurality of pages to be printed is received from a user. Further, the user input is parsed to determine the plurality of pages to be printed and the number of copies that each of the plurality of pages to be printed. Thereafter, the content of each of the plurality of pages is retrieved from a temporary file or a memory associated with the printer driver unit and printed with the help of a printer device. Accordingly, the present disclosure allows users to print variable copies of plurality of pages on a single print action, and thereby enhances speed of printing and ensures optimal usage of resources.